Common Cat Ailments

No matter how well you take care of your cat, they can become ill.  Every cat owner knows how it feels to see their beloved feline under the weather.  Some ailments can be treated fairly easily.  Here are a few of the most ailments and some basic treatments.

• Fleas-probably the most common illness in cats as well as dogs.  Symptoms include itching, hair loss, irritated red skin, hot spots and frequent licking.  There are several treatment options including powders, foams, oral medications and topical treatments.
• Vomiting-very common in cats due to many reasons.  One of the biggest reasons is from hairballs.  Their stomach can't digest the fur they take in while cleaning themselves so their body rejects it by vomiting.  Other reasons can include ingesting something poisonous or inedible - like string, diabetes, an infection or urinary tract disease. Consult your vet for treatment options if it doesn't subside within 12-24 hours.  Be sure to leave fresh water out to help prevent dehydration.
• Tapeworms-these are caused by ingesting a flea.  Tapeworms are typically segmented and will be expelled in sections in the feces.  Vomiting and weight loss are common symptoms but many times it is hard to tell if your cat in infected.  Treatments can be taken orally, by injection as well as topically.
• Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease-this is common in both male and female cats that are over weight and malnourished.  Contributing factors can be a change in lifestyle, other cats in the home and stress.  Symptoms include bloody urine, straining to urinate, lack of appetite, crying during urination, dehydration, and vomiting. Consult your vet for the best treatment for your cats condition.
• Eye Problems-there are multiple causes for eye problems including conjunctivitis, glaucoma, trauma, virus, cataracts, and retinal disease.  Common symptoms include watering, squinting, cloudiness, tear stained fur around the eye, build up in the corner of the eye and pawing or rubbing at their eyes.  Antibiotic eyes are commonly used as treatment but consult you vet to diagnose the exact cause and treatment options. 

As a responsible pet owner, seek out the advice of your vet as soon as you detect any concerns. Diagnosis of your cats illness is key to the best treatment.  Your vet will discuss all the treatment options available for your cat.  Follow all the vet instructions to bring your them back to their best health. 

Good Shampoos for Bathing Your cat

Sometimes you need to bath your cat.  Whether its because they got into something nasty outside or to help keep their long hair looking good.  No matter the reason, choosing a good shampoo is important to keep your cat's fur healthy.  

Shampoos and conditioners used by us leave your cat’s hair and skin dried out.  Ones with mild ingredients, like oatmeal, work well for most pets.  Check the ingredient labels to make sure your shampoo is designed for good bathing results.  Here’s a few that are approved by vets and with good reviews.

•     Four Paws Magic Coat Cat Tearless Shampoo – water-based with aloe and lanolin
•     Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo – all natural
•     Top Performance Fresh Pet Shampoo – Ph balanced reduces itching and flaking
•     Vet’s Best Dry Clean Waterless Cat Bath – leave in foam with aloe, neem oil, vitamin E and oatmeal

      Bath time can be scary for most cats.  Make your feline as comfortable as possible by talking quietly and smoothing their coat as you go.  Both of these actions will help sooth their nerves and make them more receptive to the process, making bath time a great experience for you both.

Oh So Many Cat Trees

Have you ever noticed how many sizes and styles there are available for cat trees?  I can't even tell you how many I looked at before deciding on my latest purchase.  There are so many options to look at and picking out just the right one can be overwhelming.  Here are a few things to consider when choosing one for your favorite kitties.

Consider where you want to place it.  Near a window lets them look outside while in a back corner lets them see the whole room.  Wherever you choose, check the dimensions for each tree before you order.  You want to make sure it fits in the space you have.

Keep your cats age in mind.  Older cats are less likely to jump to higher perches then younger cats. A shorter cat tree may be perfect for a more mature cat while a floor to ceiling cat tree may feel just right for your younger felines. If you have a combination of young and old, having several perches at different heights will give them all options.

Offer places for scratching.  Cat trees usually have at least one scratching post covered in sisal rope. These are great spots to teach your cat to scratch so they stay away from you furniture and woodwork. They promote healthy scratching behaviors and help work the muscles in your cat's paws.

Give them places to curl up and hide.  Cats like to crawl into small spaces and curl up for a nap. A condo or two gives them choices for getting away from everyone.  Remember, cats sleep a good portion of each day so these condos will get lots of use.

Many styles have hanging toys or ropes.  These offer exercise for all your cats, helping to keep them active and healthy. If the model you choose doesn't have any, you can purchase toys on stings and attach them yourself.  

Just a few things to consider when making your cat tree purchase.  Whether its your first or fifth, a lot of thought goes into each one.  No matter what, your cats will love any one you choose.

The Siberian

The Siberian is truly a magnificent looking feline.  With their triple layer coat, they make you just want to hug them.  Their temperament is very mellow and they love to follow you around.  A Siberian wants to help with whatever you are doing just to spend time with you.  They have amazing jumping abilities so can be found on the tallest spots in you home.  This beautiful cat does require some grooming as they shed heavily during the spring and fall.  Maintaining their coats can be work but their gorgeous coat is worth the upkeep.  Siberians are very playful and love to play fetch.  Be careful what you leave out as anything is fair game when they want to play.  Similar to the Maine Coon, this is a large cat and can average around 20 pounds.  They like to be in charge when it comes to other animals but get along well in multiple pet households.  All in all they make a great family pet.  Look at the magnificent Siberian when searching for your next pet.

The Maine Coon

Lets talk about the Maine Coon.

These beautiful long-haired cats are one of the largest domestic cats in the US.  A male cat can weigh up to 25 pounds and a female can weigh up to 15 pounds.  This long solid cat can easily take over your seating space if allowed.  Maine Coons are very friendly and are considered of above average intelligence.  They love spending time outdoors and remain playful into old age.

You can even hold a conversation with one!  They have a wide range of vocal sounds to use which makes for some great bonding.  The Maine Coon gets along well with other animals due to their calm nature and can make a good family pet.

While bathing isn't necessary, Maine Coons do have a tendency to love water so they are not opposed to bathing.  Brushing should be started while they are kittens.  Their long-haired coat can get matted or knotted up which can be helped with daily brushing.

Overall, this is a pretty healthy cat with a long life.  On average, a Maine Coon will live 12-15 years.
Which means you will have a awesome beautiful companion for a long time.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Just found an amazing cat while doing some research.  The Norwegian Forest Cat nicknamed the Wegie. The Wegie has a triangular shaped head with heavily tufted ears and a pointed chin. Large almond shaped eyes in green, gold or copper complete their beautiful face. They have a longer body with a broad chest and muscular thighs. Its bushy tail is as long as it's body. Their paws are large with tufts of fur between their toes.

They are noted for their long thick coats and larger size. Their weatherproof double coat will vary in length and thickness depending on the seasons.  The coat on their body is long and flowing with long hair covering their hind legs. They have a "bib" look which starts with a short collar at the neck and "mutton chops" on the side and a full frontal ruff. You can find them in almost any color except chocolate, lavender, lilac or a pointed pattern.

Take a look at this gorgeous cat. Who wouldn't love to have one?

The Ragdoll

The Ragdoll was given its name because of the way they go limp when you pick them up.  This is a larger breed cat with a mellow temperament.  Ragdoll's are very loving and adore spending time with their owners.  They will seek out attention when feeling lonely and enjoy play time.    A Ragdoll will be loyal to its owner and makes a fun-loving companion.  This breed makes a great family pet since they are very tolerant of children.  Who wouldn't want one of these adorable kitties!